SM swim teams will open practice today

"We're in a new conference and are expecting a lot of competition from Asheville and Roberson, which will have very large teams," said Johanna Lewis, who has taken over as coach.

She is expecting some 20 competitors for the women's team and 10 for the men's squad.

Lewis said she expects the teams to be competitive individually, although larger teams could pile up more points than SM.

The season will open Nov. 19 when SM hosts Asheville and East Henderson at the Breese pool.

Heading the returnees for the women is sophomore Allie Lewis, who was third in the state and the regional champion in the 100 butterfly last season.

Seniors Katie Loughlin, Cari Heckert and Amanda Floerchinger were part of regional championship teams in the medley and 400 free relays.

Other returnees for the Lady Mustangs include senior Crystal Moore, juniors Julie Fox and Amanda Humes and sophomores Rebecca Coward and Corey Smith.

Among those back for the men are seniors Peter Gilman and Josh Hamilton and junior Caleb Corwin.

"We look forward to having athletes from soccer and other sports becoming part of our new Mustang swim team," Lewis said.

Assistant coaches include Grey Wagner, a Western Carolina University student who was part of Providence High's state 4-A championship team last year, and Nat Lewis, a former Mustang swimmer and recent graduate of Arizona, where he earned NCAA All-American honors.

Starting in January, Ann Vilen will work with swim team members who are chosen to be involved in diving.

The schedule is as follows:

Nov. 19 - Asheville and East Henderson at WCU; 28 - Asheville and Roberson at Roberson.

Dec. 15 - Mustang Invitational at Waynesville Fitness Center.

Jan. 5 - at Roberson; 12 - at Roberson; 16 - Roberson at Breese; 26 - Mountain Athletic Conference Meet at WCU.

Back to Sports: 11/01/01.